As previously reported, a marine aquarium named "Ocean Berlin" is scheduled to open in Rummelsburger Bucht in 2026 as a "state-of-the-art marine park".
The construction of aquariums such as "Ocean Berlin" accelerates the destruction of coral reefs: 99 per cent of the marine ornamental fish in major European aquariums are wild-caught. The capture and transport of these marine organisms result in high mortality rates. Up to 80 per cent of coral reef fish caught die before they even arrive at the aquarium. Furthermore, technical issues in aquariums, species incompatibilities, and the rapid transmission of pathogens within closed systems present significant challenges. Dead animals are typically replaced without the knowledge of visitors. Consequently, every new aquarium construction contributes substantially to the depletion of ocean wildlife.
The three organisations PETA Deutschland, ElasmOcean e.V., and the Swiss Fondation Franz Weber have again written to the district administration of Berlin-Lichtenberg, the political parliamentary groups, and the responsible veterinary authority. In this correspondence, we demand that Ozean Berlin (CWB) GmbH not be granted a permit for animal keeping. This demand is based on the critical mortality rates documented at its sister aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center in Hawaii. According to a document published in December 2024, 548 out of 802 collected coral fish (68 per cent) died at the aquarium within a single year (2021–2022). For several species, mortality reached 100 per cent within a few weeks. Ocean Berlin represents a high-risk environment for both Osteichthyes and Chondrichthyes. Mortality rates at the new aquarium are expected to be at least as high as those at Maui Ocean. Granting a permit for animal keeping under these conditions would mean knowingly accepting the deaths of hundreds of animals annually.
In December 2024, all three organisations approached Ozean Berlin (CWB) GmbH directly with these figures to request a statement. In their written response, the company confirmed that the use of wild-caught animals is planned. Years of experience indicate that this specifically and primarily concerns sharks and rays.
We renew our appeal to the city of Berlin to refuse Ozean Berlin (CWB) GmbH a permit for animal keeping, particularly regarding wild-caught specimens. Tropical marine fish, sharks, and rays do not belong in Rummelsburger Bucht.
Sources:
Maui Ocean Center touts marine conservation, but nonprofit says it repeatedly violates fish-taking permits with high mortality rates. Available online at: https://mauinow.com/2024/12/15/maui-ocean-center-touts-marine-conservation-but-nonprofit-says-it-repeatedly-violates-fish-taking-permits-with-high-mortality-rates/ (20/01/2025)
MOC Annual SAP Collection Report 2021–2022 – MORTALITIES: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3dhtg8l5yxte6i8lg5u4b/5.c.-MOC-SAP-2022-Violations_Mortalities.docx?e=2
Pouil, S.; Tlusty, M. F.; Rhyne, A. L.; Metian, M.: Aquaculture of marine ornamental fish: Overview of the production trends and the role of academia in research progress. Rev. Aquac. 2020, 12, 1217–1230. (PDF) Aquaculture of marine ornamental fish: overview of the production trends and the role of academia in research progress
Cohen, F. P. A.; Walenti, W. C.; Calado, R. (2013): Traceability Issues in the Trade of Marine Ornamental Species. Fisheries Sciences 21(2): 98–111, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10641262.2012.760522
